Automatic switch for railways



No. 622,l33. Patented Mar. 28, I899. H. F. EATON.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR RAILWAYS, 8w.

(Application filed Jan. 20, 1896.)

(No Model.)

3 Sheets-$heet l.

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No. 622,l33. Patented Mar. 28, I899. H. F. EATON.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR RAILWAYS, 8w.

' (Application filed Jan. 20, 1896.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-sheet 2.

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No. 622,!33. Patented Mar. 28, I899.

' H. F. EATON.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR RAILWAYS, &c.

(Application filed. Janv20, 1896.)

3 Sheets-sheaf 3.

(No Model).

FEED STATES PATENT union.

HOlVARD F. EATON, OF QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR RAILWAYS, 80C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 622,133, dated March 28, 1899.

Application filed January 20, 1896. Serial No; 576,094. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HOWARD F. EATON, of Quincy,county of Norfolk,St-ate of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Automatic Switches for Railways andthe Like, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to automatically-operated switch devices for railways or other apparatus or devices wherein are employed one or more traveling cars or bodies adapted to run in fixed or definite lines of travel, determined by suitable rails, guides, or other devices, itbeing desired to direct the said cars or bodies in one or another direction or path, determined by diverging rails, guides, or the like.

My aim is to provide means for automatically operating a switching device, usually a switch member or tongue, in the simplest possible manner, coupled with certainty and positiveness of operation.

My invention is particularly useful in connection with electric railways, and for an illustration of my invention and to enable the latter to be understood I have elected in the present application to disclose my invention as embodied in mechanism adapted for application to railway service, it being understood, however, that my invention is not to be limited in its adaptation or use to railway or to any particular service, since my invention is applicable to many uses, of which railway service is but one.

My invention comprehends a switch device provided with, electromechanical devices for actuating the same, the electrical energy to furnish the motive power for this actuating device being supplied through the moving car to be switched or which is switched and also preferably from the traveling contact or con tacts connected with the car and which travel on the conductor or conductors which supply the car with its motive power, my invention thus enabling the switch to be automatically and electrically actuated without requiring the use of additional conductors or traveling contacts.

My invention will be fully understood from the following description of one embodiment thereof in a switch device for railway service.

In the drawings, Figure 1, in elevation and partial section, shows a section of a streetrailway equipped with an overhead conductor, said view also showing a portion of a car fitted with the usual traveling contact as in operation upon the railway shown. Fig. 2, in perspective, shows one form of electromechanical mechanism for operating the switch member. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, said view being also a horizontal section on the dotted line as m, Fig. 4; Fig. 4, a vertical section on the dotted line x :20, Fig. 3. Fig. 5, in section and partial elevation, shows one form of switch member as it will appear when in position for use, said figure also showing one form of mechanical positioning device; Fig. 6, a detail of a part of said positioning device; Fig. 7, a diagram illustrating the cir cuits employed in the embodiment of my in vention herein shown. Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the construction and operation of a different form of locking device from that employed in the construction Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive; Fig. 9, a view illus trating a modification of my invention to be described.

In the embodiment of my invention selected for illustration herein and shown in the drawings, referring to Fig. 1, A indicates a car mounted upon usual wheels a and adapted to travel u-pon usual rails a, and receiving its motive power or current of electricity through a usual traveling contact typified at a arranged to travel upon a usual conductortypified at a (shown as mounted) in usual manner upon supporting-poles a.

The member to be moved, and which will hereinafter be denominated as the switch member, is shown at b, Fig. 1, and on an enlarged scale in Fig. 5, where the said member is shown as fulcrumed in usual manner at 1).

Referring now to Fig. 2, which shows a switch member in dotted lines, 0 indicates an electromagnet of suitable power and arranged upon a suitable base 0, its armature 0' being shown as mounted upon a carrier 0 which constitutes one form of what I shall hereinafter term the switch-actuator, the same being shown as a bell-crank lever fulcrumed at c 011 the base referred to. For simplicity of construction and certainty of operation I have herein dispensed with the ordinary retractile spring and substituted in its stead a weight 0 upon, or which may be one arm of, the actuator referred to. At its free end the actuator c is herein shown as grooved vertically at c at its face adjacent the electromagnet to receive one or the other of the hooked ends (1 of the connections or connecting devices (Z (Zijointed at their oppositev ends at cl to the oppositely-extended arms (1 fast on a vertical shaft (1, mounted in a suitable support, herein the inclosing shell or box, to be referred to, and provided at its upper .end with a laterally-extended arm or crank (1 connected with and to shift the switch member I) referred to.

In the present embodiment of my invention the crank-arm d is provided at its end with a suitable crank pin or stud d which enters a recess Z2 at the under side of the switch member and preferably intermediate the ends of the latter in order that the power required for moving the said switch member may be reduced to the minimum, the said crank pin or stud being herein shown as provided at its upper side with a ball or other suitable bearing (1 to contact with the bottom of the recess 11 It is obvious that the armature 0 when attracted by its magnet will cause its carrier or actuator c to move the crank-arm (Z and the switch member into one or another of its extreme positions, according as one or the other of the connecting devices (Z d is placed in engagement with the grooved end of the said actuator. For shifting these connecting devices so that either may be placed in position to be operated by the actuator as maybe necessary I have herein arranged the sliding shifting device 6 upon asupport 6, forming a part of or secured to the base 0, said shifting device being shown as slotted at e to receive the bolts or studs 6 which secure the said shifting device in its operative position, yet admit of a limited horizontal sliding movement to be described. In the mechanism shown the connecting devices (1 d are respectively provided with laterally-extended lugs or arms (1 (1, back of which are arranged the uprightarms of the bell-crank levers ff, fnlcrumed at f and having their horizontal arms, which extend toward the electromagnet, connected by links f f with the vertically-movable levers f fflfulerumed to the support c at f f The free ends of these levers f f are shown as provided with pins or projectionsf f adapted to be engaged by the gravity weight or actuatorf, fulcrumed at f 12 on the support. This gravityactuator] is shown provided with two pins or projections f f, between which stands the arm f fulcrumed at a point coincident with the fulcrum of the gravity-actuator and connected at its upper end in suitable mannor with and to vibrate the sliding shifting device 0. 4

The operation of the mechanism thus far described is as follows, Viz: Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in the drawings, Fig. 2, with the shifting device (2 in its extreme position at the left and the hooked end of the connecting device d in the line of movement of the actuator 0 if the magnet C be energized the attraction of its armature will cause the actuator c to engage the hooked end of the connecting device (1 and move it in the direction of the arrow 5, to thereby swing the crank-arm d and its connected switch member in the direction of the arrow 6, such movement at the same time acting to draw the connecting device (Z in the direction of the arrow 7 into its outermost position. hen the other member (Z is thus moved into its outermostposition, its lug (Z engages the bell-crank lever f, and through the link f lifts the lever f, causing its pin f to turn the 'gravity-actuatorf in the direction of arrow 8 past its dead-center and until it contacts with and is stopped in its descending movement at the opposite side of its said dead-center by the pin f contacting with the arm f, which prevents further descent of the weight, because the said arm and the sliding plate, to which it is connected, are held against sliding movement by engagement of the hooked end of the connecting device d with the groove 0 in the actuator, it being impossible to move the sliding plate except the connecting devices (Z d be also moved, since the latter pass through guides in the former. Vhen the magnet C is deenergized, its armature and actuator will be retracted, again resuming its full-line position, Fig. 2, and releasing the hooked end of the connecting device (1 thereby permitting the gravit y-actuatorf to further drop into its opposite extreme position (indicated by dotted lines, Fig. 2) and through its pin f move the arm f to shift the shifting member e to the right, Fig. 2, until stopped by the ends of the slots 6 and thereby carry the hooked end of the other connection (1 into position in front of and to be engaged by the actuator 0 and at the same time remove the hooked end of the connecting device (Z from the path of movement of said actuator. As the gravity-weight descends it will strike the pin f on the lever f and push the latter into its lowermost position together with the bell-crank lever f, provided such parts have not already assumed by gravity such position on movement of the lug d from in front of the lever f on previous operation of the switch. The parts are now in position for a second operation of the switch, and when the magnet is a second time energized attraction of its armature and the actuator, as before, will this time act through vthe connecting device d to return the switch member to its original position-that is, move it in an opposite or differentdirection from that in which it was moved by the first operation-the parts cooperating in precisely the manner heretofore described. At this operation the rearward movement of the lug d on the connection (1 will act through the lever f to raise the gravity-weight and pass it in a direction opposite the arrow 8 to the opposite side of its center line, where it will be held by the arm f, as before, until the hooked end of the connection 61 is released, when said ac tu-ator will drop and through the member 6 shift the connections (1 (1 again into their original or full-line positions, Fig. 2.

It will thus be understood that successive operations of the electromechanical device operate to move the switch member into different positions, successive operations herein operating to move it first to the right and then to the left from one to another of its two extreme positions, and in either of its positions the gravity-actuatorf which for the best results will be quite heavy, operates as a lock to prevent movement of the switch member accidentally or otherwise during the passage over the same of the car, the lever-' age of the various parts being such that said gravity-actuator can be moved easily only by the electromagnet.

Devices have been proposed in which a switch-throwin g member has-been pulled first in one direction byan electromagnet and then in an opposite direction by another electromagnet, the said member automatically moving a circuit-breaker for shifting a current from one of the electromagnets to the other, and this same principle of having the circuit changed by the movement of the switchthrowing memberhas been applied also where the latter was a single bodily-moving device of the tappet or plunger type depressed by the passage of the car-wheel'thereover. My invention, it will be perceived from the above detailed description, is radically different, in

thatI provide a switch-throwing member (the actuator and its connections) having always the same back-and-forth movement irrespective of the direction in which the switch is being thrown, this being combined with means, preferably in the form of the mechanically-operating device shown as a trip and weight, moved directly or indirectly by the movement of said switch-throwing member for governing the direction in which the switch is moved by said member.

I will now describe the arrangement of circuits, controlling devices, 860., by which the magnet C may be energized at the desired times.

In the embodiment of my invention herein shown and which is a convenient one for use in connection with the many trolley systems in use at the present time I have interposed in the conductor a an insulated section 71, shown as in the form of an independent piece.

clamped to and insulated from the conductor and preferably some feet in length, for the best results about ten or fifteen feet, and the electromagnet O of the electromechanical-actuating mechanism is looped in a circuit between said insulated section h and the conductor a the conductor thus fulfilling the functions of a source of electrical supply for the magnet.

M indicates the motor upon the car, taking its current in usual manner from the trolley a referred to, which current passes from the motor through the wheels or and rails a, as is now customary, the motor-current being controlled by a circuit-controller m, which may be any of the usual circuit-controlling devices employed for the control of the motive mechanism for propelling cars at the present time. Of course until the insulated section It is reached the current taken from the conductor a is passed through the motor to operate the same and to the rails which constitute a return-circuit in usual manner. The moment, however, that the trolley or traveling contact reaches and enters upon the insulated section it the current from the conductor a instead of passing directly through the traveling contact, as previously, will be directed, first, through the electromagnet O and then through the section it and traveling contact, motor, and rails, thus operating, as previously, the motor for the movement of the car and at the same time energizing the electromagnet C to shift the switch, which maybe located at any desired distance in advance of the car when the latter reaches the insulated section It. Thus the switch if in a wrong position isat once and automatically, without any control from the motorman, shifted into proper position in advance of the moving car.

Should the switch when approached by the car be found in a correct position, it will be automatically and instantly shifted to a wrong position when the traveling contact enters upon the insulated section h; but said section being of considerable length and the switch being located considerably in advance of the car the motorman by simply cutting off the motor-circuit momentarily interrupts the circuit through the magnet O, permitting its armature to retract and then again and quickly closes the motor-circuit, thereby a second time energizing the magnet and restoring the switch member to its proper position, where it will remain until the car leaves the insulated section.

Of course if the conditions are favorable the motorman, finding the switch already in proper position, may cut off the motor-current beforereaching the insulated section and coast past the same without in any wise moving the switch member.

Should it be found necessary, as in a crowded portion of a city, to stop and start the car frequently, even while its traveling contact is upon the insulated section h, the switch member can be thrown at each starting of the car, which can do no harm so long as the IIO motorman sees to it that the last throw before leaving the section h places the switch in condition for the approach of a car.

The switch member must be located in such proximity to the entrance end of the insulated section 7L that a second car cannot pass into the insulated section before the preceding car has reached or passed the switch member. Otherwise the following car might shift the switch member into a wrong position before the preceding car had passed it.

In place of the insulated section it, introduced into the single-line conductor 0. I may insulate a section of the return-circuit shown as the rails, as in Fig. 9, wherein the insulated section is shown at ct m, the result in each case being the same.

In the apparatus thus far described the power of the electromagnet is alone depended upon for throwing the switch member, and this power can easily be obtained of sufficient strength to move the switch member under ordinary conditions.

To guard against any possible clogging of the movable switch member by snow or other foreign matter, I have herein provided said member at its free-point end with a wedgeshaped lug b facing which is the beveled end of a sliding positioning device 71, mounted to slide in suitable supports a at the under side of the switch-casing and normally moved by a spring 01 into its retracted position removed from the lug.

A track-bar n is arranged to move vertically through the tread of one of the rails and at its lower end is connected through the medium of a bell-crank lever n with and to move the positioning device a in opposition to its spring, so that assuming the switch member to be moved not quite into its fullline position by the electromagnet the ap-' proaehing car-wheel by depressing the bar a forces the positioning device forward and by its tapering end coming in contact with one or the other of the beveled faces of the lug b acts to positively force the switch member farther and fully into its extreme position, thereby supplementing the power of the electromagnet.

The electromagnet can always be depended upon to move the switch member somewhat past the center line, so that in whichever direction the movement may be started the beveled end of the positioning device will thereafter strike at the opposite side of the lug b and finish the movement.

In Figs. 1 to '7, inclusive, the gravity-actuator f constitutes a gravity-lock for holding the switch member in either of its extreme positions; but in Fig. 8 I have shown one form of a positive lock, shown in connection with an electromechanical actuating mechanism employing two magnet-s O 0 instead of a single magnet, as in the first figures. The armatures of the two magnets are shown as mounted upon actuators rr, which at their upper ends are provided with pins 7 r passing through slots 0* r in the ends of the connections d d. Mounted upon a suitable support in front of the magnets are two pivoted locking-pawls 0 and o, the outer or front ends of which normally stand in position in front of the actuators r and r to hold the latter in their retracted positions, the tail ends of the said dogs standing in front of an abutment 0 on the end of a rod 0 jointed to a depending arm 0 on a shaft 0 mounted in suitable bearings and provided with a detent 0, arranged to engage one or another of a pair of notches 0 0 at the under side of the connection (1 Each of the actuators is provided with a rearwardly-extended arm r, only one of which is shown, which stand normally beneath opposite ends of a lever r fulcrumed at T and to which is attached a contact-arm 0", adapted to cooperate with two contacts r T. The circuit from the conductor a is conducted by a wire 12 to the contact-arm r, and the fixed contacts 0' r are respectively connected by wires 13 and 14 with the magnets c c, the latterbeing connected by a common return-wire 15 with the insulated section 71.

The operation of the mechanism, Fig. 8, is as follows: Closure of the circuit by the passage of the traveling contact of the car upon the section h energizes the magnet C attracting its armature, the first movement whereof causes its actuator, the pin of which moves in the slot of the connection 01 without moving the latter, to turn the dog 0' on its pivot. and force back or to the right, Fig. 8, the abutment o and its rod 0 dropping the detent 0 from engagement with the connection (1 and against the action of the spring 0 tending to hold said detent in operative engagement withsaidconnection. Bythistime the pin on the actuator has reached the end of the slot in the connection (1 so that subsequent and final movement of the actuator moves said connection-d in the direction of the arrow thereon to switch the switch mem-' her in the direction of the arrow indicated on the crank-arm. As the actuator r is attracted its arm r rises freely past the latch 1 in the end of the lever 1' and as soon as the magnet-current is broken, by reason of the traveling contact on the car leaving the section 71, said actuator is at once permitted to move to its retracted position, and its arm r striking the latch r on the end of lever 7' which latch will not permit free movement past it of said arm in such direction, depresses said lever and throws the movable contact-arm r over upon the fixed'contact r, thereby automatically placing the circuit of the fixed contact 0" in condition for use upon second closure of the circuit through insulated section h to throw the switch in an opposite direction in a manner which will be understood without further description. When the actuator 7* moves to its retracted position, it permits the abutment 0*", under the influence of the spring 0 to raise the detent 0 into locking engagement with one or the other of the notches at the under side of the connection d so that during the time in which the car is passing the switch member the latter, through the connection (i is positively locked against movement, said lock being released only in advance of the shifting movement of the switch. \Vhen the switch is shifted by the magnet O, the parts connected therewith operate in a manner similar to that just described, the contact-arm r being again thrown back upon the fixed contact r to throw the magnet G into condition for the third movement.

Whatever construction or mechanism is employed, the same .will preferably be arranged within a practically tight casting or box P (shown best in Fig. 4) suitably shaped to receive and hold the several working parts, the said casting for the best results being provided with a well 19 to receive any liquid or substance which may leak into the casting around the packing through which the operating-shaft (1 passes out to the switch member or through the packing around the inner cover 19 of the opening through which the chamber within the casting is made accessible and which is preferably beneath a second and outer cover 19 The inner cover 19 is bolted and sealed in position in usual manner well understood by those skilled in the art, and said coveris preferably provided with a threaded opening normally closedby a plug 19 screwed therein, which plug, normally sealed by wax or paraffin poured over the same, may be removed to enable a pump or other suction device to be inserted into the chamber and the well 19 to enable any water which may have collected therein to be pumped out without completely removing the inner cover 19 and the large number of bolts usually employed to secure the same in place, as well as the sealing material.

I have herein described my invention in connection witha street-railway on which is operated a passenger or luggage carrying car; but it is evident my invention is applicable for use in connection with any electricallydriven car, whether upon a street or other railway or whether the car be used for carrying passengers or small articles from place to place within a store or for any other purpose, and whether the switch member is employed to direct the movements of the car itself or employed as a necessary device to enable the car to move as desired when directed in any suitable manner.

The term switch member as herein employed includes any movable member arranged at a branch point where the moving car changes its direction, whatever part of the car or its accessories said switch member cooperates with.

It will be noticed that my invention is applicable to car service as at present practiced without requiring the use of additional conductors or without requiring the use of additional traveling contacts or circuit-controlling devices enabling the switch member to be automatically shifted, always under the absolute control of the motorman with the controlling devices which he is accustomed to use for the usual control of the car, so that there is no danger of confusion or accident, which might arise were he required to change from one to another controlling member for operating the various devices to be controlled from the car.

While for the best results I prefer to operate the switch member always from the car to avoid the necessity of an additional switchtender, of course the switch-actuating member will always operate as described however the magnet circuit or circuits is or are controlled and from whatever point the control is effected, whether from a moving point orotherwise.

My inventiomobviously is not limited to the particular embodiment or construction herein shown, for it is evident the same may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

1. In a switch device of the class described, the rails, an electric conductor independent thereof, a traveling contact therefor on and .movable with the car, a single conducting member insulated from said electric conductor, but arranged contiguous thereto to be engaged by said traveling contact; an electromagnet for operating the switch in both directions connected with and to receive its entire controlling-current of electricity from said single insulated conducting member; a switch member, and operating devices therefor controlled by said electromagnet for all the movements of the switch, substantially as described.

2. In a switch device of the class described, the rails, an electric conductor independent thereof, a single traveling contact therefor on and movable with the car,-,a conducting mem ber insulated from said electric conductor, but arranged contiguous thereto to be engaged by said traveling contact; an electromagnet connected with and to receive its controlling-current of electricity solely from said insulated conducting member; a switch member, and operating devices therefor controlled both to pil njillddclose the switch by said electromagnet, and a controlling device on the said car, and controlling the magnet-circuit, substantially as described.

3. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, electrically-open ated actuating means therefor, independent connecting devices between said actuating.

means and switch member for moving the latter from and by the former, means for antomatically and alternately placing said con necting devices in operative position to move the switch member, and locking means auto ICS matically locking said connecting devices and operated by connection with said actuating \means, substantially as described.

to contact and switch controlling conducting member, said circuit, however, being normally broken between said switch-operating controlling member and traveling contact,

said maguet-circuit adapted to be automatically closed between said traveling contact and switch controlling conducting member on movement of the former in contact with the latter, aswitch member, and operating means therefor controlled by said circuit, substan- 2o tially as described.

5. In a switch device of the class described, one or more rail-conductors, a car to travel thereupon, a continuous electric conductor independent of said rails,and a traveling contact therefor on and movable with the car, an

electromagnet electrically connected at one side with one of said rail-conductors, a single conducting member in circuit therewith and insulated from but clamped contiguous to the 0 said independent conductor, a switch member, and operating devices therefor controlled both as to opening and closing the switch by said electromagnet, substantially as described.

6. In a switch device of the class described, one or more rail-conductors, a car to travel thereupon, an electric conductorindependent of said rail-conductors, and a traveling contact therefor on and movable with the car, an

electromagnet electrically connected at one side with one of said rail-conductors and having a single conducting member in circuit therewith insulated from but algngside of the said independent conductor, a switch member 5 and operating devices therefor controlled entirely by said circuit of said electromagnet, andacircuit-controllerforgoverning the magnetcircuit, substantially as described.

7. In a switch device of the class described,

a movable switch member, an electrically-operated actuator therefor, independent connecting devices between said actuator and switch member for moving the latter from and by the former, means for automatically and alternately placing said connecting devices in operative relation to and for movement by said actuator, whereby successive operations of the latter move said switch member in opposite directions, substantially as described.

8. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an actuator therefor, an operating electromagnet and its armature connected with and to move said actuator,independent connecting devices between said actuator and switch member for moving thelatter from and by the former, means for automatically and alternately placing said connecting devices in operative relation to and for movement by said actuator, whereby successive operations of the latter move said switch member in opposite directions, substantially as described. 9. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an electricallyoperated actuator therefor, independent connecting devices between said actuator and switch member for moving the latter from and by the former, means operated by said actuator for automatically and alternately placing said connecting devices in operative relation to and for movement by said actuator, whereby successive operations of the latter move said switch member in opposite directions, substantially as described.

' 10. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an actuator therefor, an electromagnet controlling the operation of said actuator, connecting devices between the said actuator and switch member and adapted to be alternately moved into position for engagement with said actuator, and means rendered operative at each movement of the switch member but only after retraction of said actuator for shifting said connecting devices to bring them alternately into position for operation by said actuator, substantially as described.

11. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an actuator therefor, an electromagnet controlling the operation of said actuator, connecting devices between the said actuator and switch member and adapted to be alternately moved into position for engagement with said actuator, and gravity-actuated means rendered operative at each movement of the switch member but only after retraction of said actuator for shifting said connecting devices to bring them alternately into position for operation by said actuator, substantially as described.

12. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an electromagnet, its armature, and an actuator moved thereby, connecting devices between said actuator and switch member adapted to be alternately placed in operative relation to said actuator, means to retain each connecting device when operated in engagement with its said actuator, until retraction of the latter, and means to shift said connecting devices after release of the same by said actuator, substantially as described.

13. In a switch device of the class described, a movable switch member, an electromagnet, its armature and an actuator moved thereby, connecting devices adapted to be placed alternately in operative relation to said actuator, a gravity body connected with and to shift the positions of said connecting devices, and connections between the said actuator and gravity body to move the latter from one to another side of its dead-center line, said gravity body being rendered operative to shift said connecting devices on release of the latter, or either of them, by said actuator, substantially as described.

14. In a switch device of the class described, a fulcrumed switch member, having a recess at its under side and an operating-crank therefor independent of and engaging said switch member .loosely by means of a ball-bearing within said recess, and electromechanical devices for moving said crank and thereby said switch member, substantially as described.

15. In a switch device of the class described, the rails, an electric conductor independent thereof, a single conducting member insulated-from said electric conductor but in line therewith, the two constituting a single line of conductor for the traveling contact, a car, a traveling contact thereon and moving upon said single line of conductor, a switch member, electromechanical devices for operating the same supplied with electricity from said conductor and conducting member through the medium of said traveling car, substantially as described.

16. In a switch device of the class described, the rails, a continuous electric conductor in dependent thereof, a conducting member insulated from said electric conductor but in line therewith and clamped thereto, the two constituting a single line of conductor, a car, a traveling contact thereon moving upon said single line of conductor, a switch member, electromechanical devices for operating the same supplied with electricity through the medium of said traveling car, and a single controlling device on the car simultaneously governing the operating of the car-motor and of said electromagnet, substantially as described.

17. In a switch-throwing mechanism, the combination of a switch-throwing member through which power for moving the switch in both directions is exerted, of means for mechanically directing the action of said switch-throwing member, said means being separate from and moved by said member,

said means occupying different normal positions according to the position of the switch, and itself free from power-transmitting relation with the switch, substantially as described.

18. Ina switch-throwing mechanism of the class described, the combination with a switch throwing member through which power for moving the switch in both directions is exerted, an electromagnet for actuating said switch-throwing member in all'its movements, of means moved by said member and independent of the electric current, for directing the action of said switch-throwing member.

19. In a switch-throwing mechanism of the class described, the combination with a switch throwing member through which power for moving the switch in both directions is exerted, an electromagnet device for actuating said switch-throwing member in all its movements, of means moved by said member and itself free from power-transmitting relation with the switch for directing the action of said switch-throwing member, substantially as described.

20. In a switch-throwing mechanism, a switch-throwing member, an electromagnet device for actuating said member always with the same movement irrespective of the direction in which the switch is being thrown, combined with mechanism actuated thereby for mechanically governing the direction in which the switch is being moved by said member, said mechanism being independent of the circuit of said electromagnet device, substantially as described.

21. In a switch-throwing mechanism, the combination with a switch-throwing member through which power for moving the switch in both directions is exerted, of means separate from and moved by said member and in continuous operative engagement therewith, and itself free from power-transmitting relation with the switch, for mechanically directing the action of said switch-throwing mem ber, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HOWARD F. EATON.

Witnesses:

FREDERICK L. EMERY, THOMAS J. DRUMMOND. 

